As a coach, today was a very pleasing game for a number of reasons.

1. Mentality

Last week I was critical of our mentality. I say to these boys over and over that if we want to be successful, we need to have the right mentality.

Today, in a tough game on a bobbly pitch, we stayed calm throughout and just kept grinding away. We weren’t spectacular, but we were effective. We kept our composure, stuck to the task and, ultimately, got the rewards we deserved.

2. The defensive trio

Some of you may have noticed this, some may not, but for years now we have been heavily reliant on the solid defensive partnership of Oscar and Noah. So much so that they have played almost every minute of almost every game together.

It was therefore really pleasing today, with Chester making his first start, to see not only how excellent he was, but also that he was the one who played the full game.

It also allowed me to be more flexible with both Oscar and Noah. Oscar was able to have a stint in midfield, while Noah eventually found himself up front where he somehow managed to score an absolute rocket that he 100% meant.

3. Welcome back, Josh

Finally, it was fantastic to welcome Josh back. I hate seeing players leave, so it’s great to see him back with us again, even if it is only temporary.

The Game

We started compact and elected to play the long game today. The plan was to keep things tight at the back and then really go at them in the second half.

The first half was very tight, with neither team giving too much away. They looked dangerous on the break, but we were creating the more consistent chances.

It took a while, but eventually the breakthrough came. Our very own Frank Lampard regen, Mayson, pounced on a loose ball in the area and fired home.

Minutes later, it was Mayson again who doubled our lead and his own tally. This time he won the ball high up the pitch before hammering it beyond the Manor keeper.

2–0 at half-time.

The message was positive, but we were going to be bold and brave by ramping it up a notch. We sacrificed a defender for an extra forward and really wanted to turn the screw.

It largely worked, although the goals didn’t come. We created a number of good second-half chances but just couldn’t find the finish.

That was until the final minute, when makeshift striker Noah unleashed an absolute rocket of a left-footed shot past the keeper, a goal he definitely meant to score.

Player Performances

Jesse — Managers POM

Another clean sheet, but more importantly, a really strong performance in goal. His communication with the defenders was excellent throughout which is what we have been coaching him to do.

Noah, Oscar & Chester

No longer double trouble, but a triple threat. All three were excellent today, giving us a really strong foundation at the back. Noah even managed to grab himself a goal. Noah also picking up parents POM.

Joey

Really sprung to life in the second half, with some excellent crosses and driving runs forward. A much more influential performance as we chose to open the game up after a disciplined 1st half.

Joel

A difficult pitch to dribble on today, particularly for someone who likes to get on the ball, but Joel showed us another side to his game. It was a really determined and aggressive performance, it showed me that the defensive side of his game I know he’s been working hard at is progressing really nicely.

Josh

Great to see him back. He started in a very energetic midfield partnership with Mayson and was lively and determined throughout, going close to scoring on a number of occasions.

Mayson

Continued his fine goalscoring form with another two goals. A real live-wire performance and a constant threat.

Sam

Offered us something very different in midfield. Box-to-box, big tackles and never allowing the opposition to settle. He really added something different to our midfield today, very high impact on the game particularly in the first half.

Henry

Lots of good work and running in both wing and forward positions. It was a tough day for the forwards, particularly with our first-half formation and the difficult pitch, but his tireless work really helped the team. Unlucky not to grab a goal.

Isaac

Like Henry, a really hard-working performance that helped the team enormously. He was unlucky not to finish with a brace of his own, having been unable to convert a couple of good chances presented to him in the 2nd half by Joey and Sam.

Ernie

Last but certainly not least, Ernie. It was sad to see him turn out for us in his final game. Despite carrying a minor niggle, he gave everything for the team and was unlucky not to get himself on the scoresheet.

The Bigger Picture

The win today keeps us near the top of the table and, importantly, leaves us very much in the mix for a top-two finish.

If we can continue to show the mentality, togetherness and work rate we showed today, we give ourselves a fantastic chance of achieving it.

Finally, a huge thank you for the support today, especially to Lee, Aimee and Ivy from the Charity family, who after turning out to support us for over five years now did so for the final time.

Well done boys, on to next week!